Jake nodded. ‘I get it. But just know, I’ll always be here for both of you, no matter what.’

  Lauren felt a twinge of sadness for what might have been. But at the same time, she couldn’t wait to see where this new path would lead her, and she was grateful for the chance to start afresh, unburdened by the weight of the past.

  With a spring in her step, Lauren headed off to meet Rain, ready to embrace whatever the future might hold.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Rain’s phone buzzed with a message from Lauren.

  We need to talk. On my way.

  The brevity of it left Rain’s stomach in knots. She busied herself with tidying the already spotless flat, but her mind wouldn’t stop spinning scenarios. Lauren’s words could mean anything from severing ties for good or a completely fresh start. The uncertainty was maddening.

  When the knock finally came, Rain’s heart leapt into her throat. This was it. Time to face the music.

  Rain opened the door, her pulse racing when she saw Lauren standing there, her expression giving nothing away. All the speeches she’d practised flew out of her head. Looking at Lauren, all she could feel was an overwhelming sense of love for this woman who’d stolen her heart.

  ‘Hey,’ Rain said, stepping aside to let her in.

  Lauren’s lips curved into a smile. ‘Hey, yourself.’

  Rain’s spirits lifted. This has to be a good sign.

  ‘Come in. Can I get you something? Tea, coffee, wine?’

  ‘No, I’m good, thanks.’ Lauren’s eyes darted to Rain’s packed suitcases as she followed her into the living room, but she didn’t comment.

  Rain tried to break the ice. ‘I bet things have been crazy at the hotel lately.’

  ‘You have no idea. Replacing staff at the last minute? Total nightmare.’

  ‘Well, good luck finding someone to fill my shoes,’ Rain joked. ‘I was just getting the hang of it.’

  ‘Yeah, you did a great job, actually.’

  ‘Probably for the best that I quit, though. Not sure I could’ve kept up the pace. Making beds is a killer on the back.’

  Rain knew she was rambling, but she couldn’t help it. If this was their last conversation, she wanted to make it last.

  ‘How’s Sydney holding up?’ Rain asked.

  ‘Not great, but she’s tough. She’ll get through it.’

  Rain held her breath. ‘And what about . . . us?’

  For a moment, they just looked at each other. Then Lauren broke the silence.

  ‘Rain, I wanted to apologise for how I reacted. I know you were trying to protect me.’

  ‘No, I’m the one who should be apologising,’ Rain insisted. ‘I should’ve been honest from the start. I never wanted to hurt you.’

  ‘I get it. I just wish you’d trusted me enough to tell me the truth.’

  ‘I do trust you, Lauren. More than anyone. I just got in too deep and couldn’t find my way out.’

  ‘So, what’s going to happen with Fay?’ Lauren asked.

  ‘She’s staying with our mum for a bit, until she gets back on her feet. I think she’s finally learnt her lesson. From now on, she’s on her own.’

  Lauren nodded. ‘That’s a smart move. I know it isn’t easy.’

  An awkward silence fell between them. Then Lauren raised an eyebrow. ‘So . . . what’s the deal with Clara?’

  Rain blinked, feigning innocence. ‘Clara? What do you mean?’

  ‘Come on, Rain.’

  Rain couldn’t help but laugh. ‘She’s just a friend, I swear.’

  ‘Really? ’Cause the way she was looking at you . . .’

  ‘What can I say? I’m irresistible to women,’ Rain teased.

  ‘Is that so?’ Lauren stepped closer. ‘What are your plans now?’

  Rain grinned. ‘Well . . . I was thinking of heading back home to quit my job and then move to London. I kind of like it here now.’

  Lauren raised an eyebrow. ‘You know, you never did tell me what you do for a living.’

  Rain laughed, pulling Lauren closer. ‘Well, I can tell you one thing. It definitely wasn’t working as a cleaner.’

  Lauren wrapped her arms around Rain’s waist. ‘Oh? So, what is it that you do, Miss Mysterious?’

  Rain leaned in, her lips brushing against Lauren’s ear. ‘I’m a chef. And I’d love nothing more than to cook for you, every day, for the rest of our lives.’

  ‘Actually, I might have a better idea. How would you like to work under Jimmy at the hotel? We could use someone with your talents.’

  Rain pulled back, a grin spreading across her face. ‘Hmm, I don’t know. I think I might need to show the boss my skills first, don’t you?’

  ‘Hmm, now you mention it, yes, I do,’ Lauren said.

  Rain took Lauren’s hand and led her towards the bedroom, their laughter echoing through the flat. As they fell onto the bed, hands roaming, clothes tossed aside, everything else melted away. There was only this moment, this connection, this love that had survived so much and come out stronger.

  Rain savoured every inch of Lauren’s body, pouring all her love into every touch, every kiss. Lauren responded with equal passion, her fingers igniting sparks on Rain’s skin, her sighs and moans music to Rain’s ears.

  They moved together instinctively, the rhythm building to a peak that left them both trembling and satisfied, holding each other tight as the waves of pleasure ebbed.

  Afterwards, they lay together, skin cooling, hearts beating as one. Rain brushed a strand of hair from Lauren’s face, in awe of her beauty, of the love shining in her eyes.

  ‘I love you,’ she whispered, the words simple but true.

  Lauren smiled, glowing. ‘I love you too, Rain. More than anything.’

  Rain closed her eyes, a contented smile on her lips, ready to embrace the future with the woman who made her world complete.

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  Other Titles by Jade Winters

  Series

  Looking for Ms Right Series

  Looking for Ms Right (Book 1)

  Torn (Book 2)

  The Chase (Book 3)

  Amber Hills Series

  Love’s Knocking (Book 1)

  Always You (Book 2)

  Ashley McCoy Detective Series

  Sixty Seconds (Prequel)

  A Walk into Darkness (Book 1)

  Everything to Lose (Book 2)

  Standalone Novels

  Reclaiming Tomorrow

  Just One Mistake

  Under Her Gaze

  You and Me

  No Other Love

  Falling

  All That Matters

  Missing Pieces

  143

  Caught by Love

  Guilty Hearts

  Say Something

  Faking it

  Second Thoughts

  Secrets

  In it Together

  Love Interrupted

  The Song, The Heart

  Accidentally Together

  Flirting with Danger

  Lost in You

  Just One Destiny

  Unravelled

  Starting Over Again

  Picking the Right Heart

  The Second Time

  Novellas

  Talk Me Down from the Edge

  Short Stories

  The Makeover

  The Love Letter

  Love on the Cards

  A Story of You

  A Perfect Fit

  Neighbour from Heaven

  Me to You

  The Perfect Present

  A Christmas Kiss

  Proof of Evidence - Kitty Holmes Investigates

  Audiobooks

  Guilty Hearts

  Accidentally Together

  Flirting With Danger

  143

  Always You

  Lover Interrupted

  Love’s Knocking

  Say Something

  A Walk into Darkness

  About The Author

  Based in Dorset, UK, Jade Winters is a passionate author with a particular focus on lesbian fiction. Jade always enjoys discussing her books with readers. You can connect with her in the following ways:

  COPYRIGHT

  Suite Surrender

  by Jade Winters

  Published by Wicked Winters Books

  Copyright © 2024 Jade Winters

  www.jade-winters.com

  All rights reserved. This novel or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

  All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

 

 

  Jade Winters, Suite Surrender

 

 

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